Evalle is an outcast among her people. As a mixed blood Belador she’s known as an Alterant. Her people see her as a demon waiting to be caged, always watching for her to slip up and show her true face. As a VIPER she is a soldier for her people and anyone else who would suffer the misfortune of running into a demon. As if demon hunting, being allergic to sunlight, and considered a pariah by her people wasn’t enough she’s also placed on the front line for a war she wants nothing to do with. But if she fails… Atlanta and the world may face the apocalypse.

Finally, another strong female character who isn’t overshadowed by a man trying to take care of her. Evalle’s dedication to her race and her position as a VIPER is unwavering, even in the face of her own peril, she does what is right for her people, even if they don’t think she’s one of them. The love story revolves around her and her two friends, Tzader and Quinn, they are her family and their bond runs deep. The subplot love stories are a bit wishy-washy and refreshingly, not instant love - or even sex. Unlike Kenyon’s Black Dagger series, Belador follows only one character through all of the books, Evalle. This minor difference allows the reader to connect with the characters on a much deeper level over the course of the multiple books.

The superb world building and cultures strengthen the interactions between all of the characters as each race’s differences are expressed. Another layer of realism is added when the gods are introduced. A mixture of real-world gods are mixed with new, fictional lore gods to create a believable set of figureheads.

As if all of this wasn’t entertaining enough, Evalle has a pet. An awesome and amazing pet that I won’t spoil for you because it was so cute and enjoyable to read their interactions and I can’t wait for more!